Udana Vayu

Udana vayu is one of the five vayus, or
subdivisions of prana, each of which has specific
qualities, functions and directions of flow. Udana vayu is located in
the throat and flows in a circular manner around the neck and head.
This vayu regulates speech, growth and self-expression. Derived from Sanskrit, this term translates as “ascending air.”

Yogis can control the energy of udana and other vayus by bringing their awareness and focus to them.
Such awareness allows the yogi to cultivate health and well-being.

Yogapedia explains Udana Vayu

Udana vayu directs prana and/or kundalini
energy from the lower to upper chakras, and nourishes the visuddha and ajna chakras, in particular. Udana vayu also serves as a channel from
the lower to the upper levels of consciousness.

Through yoga practice, prana is
activated and circulated via the udana vayu. Inversions, such as
sarvangasana, halasana and sirsasana, help balance the udana vayu as
does pranayama breathing exercises and meditation.

Udana vayu affects the following:

Communication, expression and
language

Metabolism through the thyroid and
parathyroid glands

The nervous and endocrine systems

Pain perception

Sleep patterns

When udana vayu is balanced, the yogi
is articulate, focused, intuitive, assertive and confident.